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Disney Land Is Moving Forward With $1.9 Billion expansion

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Disney Land Is Moving Forward With $1.9 Billion expansion

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Disney's plans known as Disney Forward are still in the development stage, the city reports. The proposed design includes theme park attractions and hotels to the west of Disneyland Drive. Additionally, to the southeast where the Toy Story Parking Area currently exists, the plans will feature attractions, as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment spaces

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Disney has approval to build without the space to do so. Fully funded by Disney, DisneylandForward updates Disney’s current development plans which were approved by the city in the 1990s.  This project does not increase the amount of square footage already approved for theme park development or hotels.  Therefore the park is depending on city council votes to approve more space to build upon.

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In a decisive unanimous decision by city officials, the $2.5 billion proposal for Disney to expand its park has been approved. Disney will finance a substantial portion of the investment, contributing $1.9 billion towards the project. This expansion underscores Disney's commitment to enhancing its iconic park and boosting local economic growth.

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What does Disney Forward Mean for Anaheim? 

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What does Disney Forward Mean for Anaheim? 

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The vote is IN for DISNEYLAND FORWARD | What is the future of park expansion?

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City officials argue that the Disneyland Forward initiative will enable Disney to make substantial investments in the community for years to come, generate thousands of jobs for local residents, and significantly boost the city's general fund with millions in extra tax revenue annually—all without any public subsidies. According to experts, the plan includes:

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8,960 new construction jobs

4,584 new jobs during operation

$202 million in additional tax revenue for the city in the first 10 years alone

Disneyland Forward will contribute $30 million as a commitment to fund affordable housing projects in Anaheim within the first five years alone. This is the first and largest investment in affordable housing for a non-residential project in the City’s history.

Disneyland Forward will also commit $85 million to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety throughout Anaheim — and pave the way for a long-desired pedestrian signal and crosswalk on Walnut Street, enhancing pedestrian access to Magic Way.

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According to the Los Angeles Times Trangdai Glassey a Anaheim resident states "People come to Disneyland to have fun, but the local residents bear the brunt of endless problems: air pollution, daily traffic congestion and noise pollution.” Some residents are also worried that the expansion could increase rents and the cost of living in Anaheim.

Furthermore, Anaheim and its residents are frustrated by the ongoing traffic congestion caused by the park, along with the frequently changing detours implemented for park events.

Additionally, many residents are troubled by the noise from crowds, fireworks, and amusement park rides. Expanding closer to residential homes is likely to worsen this issue.

Currently, some activists argue that the $30 million designated for affordable housing is insufficient, especially when compared to the $350 million earmarked for a similar affordable housing project planned near Walt Disney World in Florida.

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The Disneyland Forward plan will allocate $45 million for street and sewage upgrades, $30 million for affordable housing, and $40 million to acquire land around the existing parking area. The project is expected to create approximately 7,800 construction jobs over four years, and the completed development will provide 3,600 new roles.

California Governor Gavin Newsom commented:, "Disney's commitment reinforces that California is its home, thanks to our welcoming and supportive environment that encourages businesses to grow and generate additional employment opportunities."

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THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement following last night's unanimous vote by the Anaheim City Council in favor of the Walt Disney Company's $1.9 billion DisneylandForward plan, with the final vote set to take place on May 7th:

"Disney is making it clear that California is its home because we provide the welcoming and supportive environment where businesses want to expand and create more jobs. We look forward to cultivating more Disney magic and building opportunities for all as this investment drives billions of dollars in revenue for our state and local communities."

DisneylandForward is estimated to generate $1.9 Billion in economic output and create over 7,800 jobs over four years through new construction in California. Annually, the plan will generate $508 million and employ over 3,600 workers through operation.

Last year, Governor Newsom met with Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, celebrated Disneyland's first-ever pride night, and received a briefing on the DisneylandForward plan and their investment in the region for decades to come.

In May 2023, Governor Newsom praised the Walt Disney Company's decision to keep good-paying jobs in California instead of building a nearly $1 billion office complex in Florida.

California's economy is the 5th largest economy in the world. California, which has the most equitable tax system in the entire country, is #1 in the nation for new business starts, #1 for access to venture capital funding, and #1 for tourism spending.

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Disney Set to Invest $1.9 Billion in New Theme Park and Lodging Experiences in California | California Governor

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THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH - Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement following last night's unanimous vote by the Anaheim City Council in favor of the Walt Disney Company's $1.9...

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Supporting Article- Does investing in amusement parks, museums, or landmarks improve the quality of life for residents? 

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Supporting Article- Does investing in amusement parks, museums, or landmarks improve the quality of life for residents? 

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This article mentions that while investment in urban beautification projects can drive regeneration and economic growth, it may also lead residents being pushed out due to increased living costs.

The only way to counteract this is if policymakers offer affordable housing and implement strategies to decrease poverty inequality, ensuring that the benefits of beautification are accessible to everyone.

Therefore, although gentrification in some cities can be detrimental as it displaces low-income residents, the situation in Anaheim is different. Here, the Disney Forward project is actively contributing funds to enhance affordable housing as part of its expansion.

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This is why attractive cities do better economically

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Attractive urban areas benefit from more graduates, high-skilled workers and employers, according to new research.

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Disney Forward is an Economic Win for Anaheim

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Disney Forward is an Economic Win for Anaheim

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I am confident that the Disney Forward initiative will draw more tourists and significantly boost the local economy. While concerns about noise and traffic are understandable, these are common challenges in any thriving urban area and are unlikely to go away completely. Moreover, Disney's generous contributions towards affordable housing and road improvements demonstrate their commitment to the community. These investments further justify the approval of the project and emphasize the potential benefits of developing more parks. This strategic development not only promises to enhance the area's appeal but also provides tangible improvements that will improve the quality of life for residents.